15 December 2017

The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.

You’re leaning against an open door here, as we say in the UK. It will be six years in February since my first FF post, and I must admit, it took me a few weeks before I got the hang of the protocol. Sometimes life’s general ‘busy-ness’ gets in the way, sometimes a slow or non-existent internet connection, but in the main, it’s my intention to reciprocate and to give a lower priority to those who don’t appear to feel the same way. Well said!

I seriously debated with myself and considered not posting this one. I’ll admit that when I first started FF over 5 years ago, it took me a few weeks to get the hang of protocol and I’m really not targeting those who are relatively new. There are some within our ranks who’ve been participating for some time and still don’t seem to get it. They link their stories and that is that, never commenting on another and some don’t even reply to their own comments.

Perhaps I’m being selfish, but there are some who just never comment on my stories at all. They are very very low on my list.

Were there not stellar writer/participants such as yourself I would’ve chucked this challenge long ago. Thank you.

Oh I totally understand life busy-ness as we all do. I haven’t contributed for two weeks because I knew I wouldn’t be able to find the time to read the other entries and thought it unfair to expect others to read mine. Great prompt this week!

I have noticed your absence, but understand it. Of course my beef is with those who do post, some week after week, but neither comment nor reply. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I rather expected some interesting comments this week and wondered if I might be opening a can of worms.

No, you are not wrong. Like Louise, if I feel I cannot take the time to read and comment on other stories, I don’t submit one. There are times where I do read each and every one and will leave a comment. Those who do acknowledge my comment will get another the following week. However, if they repeatedly don’t bother reading mine, I stop commenting on theirs – and, in some instances, stop reading them altogether.

As Neil said, reciprocity is the glue that holds our little community together.

And I can always count on you. ❤ And I can echo every one of your words.

I understand that not everyone has the time to participate every week. Indeed, I've found this challenge to practically be a full time job. One that I love. However, as you know, I get cranky at those who drop their stories and run. As for Neil's quote, I'm nabbing it. 😉

Hi Rochelle,
I have mixed views about reciprocity in blogging. I would like to think people are coming to my blog and reading my writing because they enjoy it, not simply because I went to theirs. At the same time, life gets busy and there are blogs where we read each other’s posts and a visit will prompt a reciprocal visit.
When it comes to hosting a blog share like Friday Fictioneers, you would be hard pressed to read all of the contributions every week. Indeed, you’re probably hard pressed to read just read the ones who read yours.
I have been fairly busy for the last couple of months so have pulled back a bit from blogging. I was going to participate in FF this week but couldn’t relate to the image.
Best wishes,
Rowena

I do relate to your mixed view. It’s why I hesitated to post this piece. I, too, would like to think that people comment on my blogs because they enjoy them. Another blogger once told me that I got a lot of comments because I was the queen. That hurt, too. So that pendulum swings both ways.
At any rate I appreciate your taking the time to comment since the purpose of this ‘story’ is get a discussion going. Thank you.

It’s natural that you would get a lot of comments as the host, but only if people enjoy or value your writing. I usually read the first 20 responses posted and try to post my own early for that reason. There are a few people whose blogs I follow and I try to read theirs as well. Unfortunately, the last couple of months have been so busy, that I’ve pulled back from blogging for a bit. January should be fairly quiet and I’m planning to catch up on my writing then.
Best wishes, Rowena

Dear Rochelle,
I love your post.
Thanks for finding the time to read my stories and leaving behind encouraging comments on my submissions, week after week. Means the world to me.
Love and best wishes,
Moon

I joined about 5 years ago… I think it might have been Madison’s last (or second last) entry. Since then I have started manage one poetry site with prompts 3 times a week and I’m part of another that also have 3 prompts a week. My Muse challenge me to write every day, and I must say that sometimes I’m challenged, but even more so with having to comment on each and every one. I do learn a lot from reading and picking out things I do like, but it takes a lot of energy.

I do love to be part of this community and it has taught me, not only how to write flash or poetry but also how to give feedback, and how to receive feedback. Thank you so much for running this, I do know the challenge.

I started not too long before you…in April. She turned FF over to me in October. I still marvel at the way that all played out. No regrets…just a few peeves. 😉 It does take a lot of energy to write every week and comment and reply. I guess my biggest complain here is concerning those who merely plant their story on the link and never comment or even reply to comments on their own stories. I’ve set them on ‘ignore’. I could go on, but I won’t. I don’t want to come across as petulant.
Thank you for being a part of this community. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

It’s quite easy to get frustrated at people not commenting/ reciprocating to comments. From my first ever week on FF, I’ve tried my best to visit, read and comment on every entry and have largely succeeded in it. My best is reading and commenting on all 90 odd entries sometime in August.

Not over the past few weeks though. Work, travel and the addition of a little one in the family has not allowed me to do much of reading or commenting. Sometimes I’ve even felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of entries over a week’s time that I’ve had to read that I feel like not bothering to write at all. Though I have been religious in posting my entry for FF, that cannot be said for quite few of the other challenges where I’ve just stopped participating.

Your diligent participation is appreciated. And to have done that from the beginning is admirable if not unusual. It took me a few weeks to figure out the commenting protocol and am even mortified to this day when I go back and read some of my earliest comments and realize I didn’t reciprocate. I get that and my complaint is with those who link stories week after week and never comment. (or don’t comment on my stories…to those I ‘return the favor.’)
Thank you.

It is a can of worms Rochelle but I think one that needed to be opened. Like you said some dont just get it – the netiquette. As for me I make it a point to return all visits but there are some that I will visit regardless of a return visit simply because I like to read theirs even when i don’t manage to participate. And of course you top the list 😀 Thanks Rochelle!

As has been said, most of the targets of this rant will ‘like’ and move blissfully along. 😉 Nonetheless it’s nice to get feedback and know that I’m not alone in my irritation. Thank you for your encouraging and affirming comment.

Not at all. I would love to read everything by all the blogs I follow, but there just isn’t the time unless I want to forgo everything else in my life. And, ah, forgoing working wouldn’t be good:) Sometimes, you just have to made sacrifices.

That’s my point. We’re all busy. I appreciate the ‘likes’ I get, but sometimes, because of my position as facilitator I get the impression that many of those are a way for saying, ‘I’m here, read my story.’ Hope that made sense. Nor am I saying that because someone doesn’t comment on mine every week I’m writing them off. But there are those who are consistent in their non reciprocation and they are my targets for the week. 😉
Thank you for your feedback. It does mean a lot.

Even though your muse has gone on a short break, your eloquence is staying put. Love this: “Ideas float in bubbles and pop into nothingness, with no beginning, middle or end.”
You are definitely NOT wrong for not commenting on every single story; I’m amazed that you take the time out of your busy schedule to read them all. We couldn’t ask for a better host(ess)! ❤

I completely agree Rochelle. I can accept some people having odd weeks where they can’t manage to read and comment on the contributions, but there are a few that seem to never comment. With them I have just given up and bypass their stories – I would rather concentrate on those that want to take part fully.

It’s hard reading and commenting on all the stories in a week. Thank you very much for all that you do, Rochelle. You put in an enormous effort, week after week. I think it’s absolutely reasonable to only comment on those who reciprocate.
As regards Rowena’s point about people reading her writing for pleasure rather than reciprocation, I would guess that all of us have followers who read FF but aren’t themselves participating. I see between 50 – 100% more views than participants every week, some of whom subsequently ‘follow’ me, which strongly suggests ‘outsiders’ reading and enjoying the stories.
Shalom
Penny

Generally speaking, I find that less than half of the writers I comment on pay return visits.I suppose it could just be that my stories don’t appeal. I try to read and remark on all of the contributions, but sometimes I simply don’t get the stories and am left with a dilemma about what to say! Often comments from people far brainier than I help me make sense of what I’ve read and provide me with a clue. But I comment nonetheless. Just minutes ago I left a comment beneath a story on a very popular site I’ve visited every week for as long as I can remember. I’ve never received the courtesy of a return visit. Thanks for bringing the subject up Rochelle.

I do understand the dilemma of not understanding some of the stories. I find myself there from time to time. Since I’m not a mind reader I can’t say why some never comment on one or another. In any event, I appreciate your taking the time to add your comments to the discussion. Thank you.

I totally understand. Sometimes I feel pressure as facilitator of the challenge to read everything, but like the need to comment on them all, the need to read them all is also fading for me.
Thank you very much for your input on the subject.

Good subject for your nonfiction post, Rochelle! I echo you and many others here: reciprocity is what holds the community together. In a way, Friday Fictioneers is a victim of its own success, though: there are SO many posts, it’s rarely possible for me to read all of them, much less comment. So I prioritize people who have commented on my posts before, and try to read several newcomers each time too.

I understand that some weeks are busy, and that it’s easy to just miss a comment and forget to reply, so I give people the benefit of the doubt for a while. But when someone never reciprocates after multiple comments from me, especially when they don’t reply with even a simple “thanks” to my comment, I am not so motivated to keeping reading their stories.

At this point, I don’t think it’s unreasonable. You often get sixty or seventy stories a week. The other option is to determine if stories are worthy of being on the prompt page. Reciprocity is probably the best principle to employ.

I sometimes wonder about the purpose of the comments. Some of your writers are consistently good, while other can be dreadful. Are we to cheer on bad work because it’s a nice thing to do? Are any of us soliciting critique or even commentary? Or is this an “all for one” sense of community? Gordon Lish famously discouraged people he judged as being “bad,” and in doing so gained a reputation for arrogance and even cruelty. That said, he was the editor of Esquire’s fiction for many years and discovered such diverse talents as Cynthia Ozick, Ben Marcus, Raymond Carver, and Barry Hannah.

It’s a sticky wicket. I appreciate all the comments I get on my work and do my best to reciprocate, but when I see something I don’t like I usually don’t comment on it. I work a full time job, have a family, play in a band, and am working on one novel while submitting another. It’s hard to find the time.

I very much appreciate you hosting this prompt, and always look forward to Wednesday morning.

You make some excellent points. Originally the idea was to read and offer crit as well as comments and encouragement. And at one point we had a some discussion about having group within a group just for concrit. However, the person who suggested and was going to ride herd on that has left the building.

I confess that I do leave comments on some stories that I think are less than because the writer has commented on mine. It really is a sticky wicket when it comes to commenting, isn’t it? How truthful can one really be? At the same time there are those who are practicing their second language skills and I have to tip my cap to them.

At any rate, I appreciate your input. My intent with this not-so-peaceful piece was to spark a discussion. Although, I’ll admit to having been rather apprehensive about posting it. Came very close to taking it down last night.

Makes total sense, Rochelle. There’s a boatload of stories each, and I just don’t see how anyone with a life can get to them all. Those who offer comments to you is a good way to decode whose stories to read.

Ah, Rochelle, Joy Pixley and I had an online chat about this just the other day! I confess I rarely – for that read once in a blue moon – read and comment on ALL the FF stories submitted. As Josh says, there are just so many, it’s tough to get round to everyone.
I prioritise those whose fiction I love – and there are many regulars who fall into that bracket – whose work I might read even if they never commented back. And those who I have built a reciprocal relationship with over the time I’ve been FFing – some writers here are so supportive and giving and lovely, I would feel guilty missing them off my reading list!
Yes, there are a handful of contributors whose work I have read and commented on several times and who I have now decided not to revisit because they never read my work in return.
It is difficult, there only being so many hours in a week, juggling work, home, our own writing projects.
But I can honestly say that Friday Fictioneers has become part of my writing week, that adhering to the 100 word limit discipline has made me a better, more concise writer. I love being part of this community, thank you for being such a wonderful host.

It seems that while we have a large list of contributors on the “Hollywood Squares” as Russell calls it, there’s a relatively small number of true participants. And, I’ll admit to hurt and irritation that there are some who seem to comment on everyone else’s BUT mine. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve offended them in some way. (I actually emailed one participant with that question, who, it turned out, didn’t realize she was doing it. But I won’t put myself through that mill again). Perhaps I’m being too thin skinned and hypersensitive there, but it’s how I feel. To all of the above I extend the same lack of courtesy.

Until two years ago, I was facilitating this blog, working on other projects and working a very stressful full time job. If I didn’t love so many in this community I’d have chucked it long ago. Thank you for being amongst these. And thank you for your supportive comment.

It’s a heck of a lot of work you take on every week, especially as the numbers grow and grow. Success brings it’s drawbacks. Your dedication to Friday Fictioneers is very appreciated by all of us. I understand how hurt you feel – I’ve felt the same after having commented on some writer’s work and met no response. I wonder what I’ve done to offend too!
I mean what I say – I’ve learned so much taking part and met so many wonderful writers who are also wonderful people. Very blessed to have come across the Fictioneers.

Reciprocity IS what holds this community together…
How interesting that you have voiced something that has been bugging me. I joined Friday Fictioneers quite recently and I do my best to comment on the linked stories. (The main exceptions being the ones that require me to log into my non-existent wordpress account!) Last week I commented on around sixty stories and received maybe twenty comments in return. I know it’s not because they can’t find my blog because I always leave a link with my comments. I’ve been thinking about checking which ones are serial non-reciprocators with a view to no longer reading their stories – but that seems so mean spirited! I’m in a bit of dilemma to be honest. Thanks for highlighting this, Rochelle.

Nice to see how quickly you’ve become such participant. I’ve noticed how you good you are about commenting. You have every right to expect reciprocation. Personally, I have a mental list of the serial non-reciprocators so I don’t find your comment mean-spirited in the slightest, I’ve been at this for over five years and this is a subject that has bugged me for some time. I’ve put posts on our Facebook page in the past and there has been some discussion amongst some of us off the grid.

My guess is the ones I really want to target either won’t care or won’t see themselves. At any rate I felt like it needed to be said. Your comments confirm this. Thank you so much for your support. 😀

I have two main thoughts on this difficult subject. Firstly, to put flash stories on a sites such as Friday Fictioneers and then not considering reciprocating by commenting, seems such a wasted opportunity for the writer. However there are quite a few sites where one has to jump though to many hoops to comment. My second observation perhaps is more relevant, that perhaps some writers are like me, not at all gifted at make pertinent comments. Sadly I do often find myself unable to offer a useful comment, so don’t. However I have been so grateful for some really fine feedback Mike Humphris

Not all comments need to ‘useful.’ A good word is nice. ie “I really enjoyed your story.” or something to that effect. Granted there are those whose comments are practically poetry. They’re nice to get, but a simple sincere, “I read it…such and such touched me….” Be yourself. Be sincere. Sorry…I’m rambling, so I hope this makes sense.

I do understand about the sites that make you jump through too many hoops to the point where you need to leave a DNA sample. I’ve noticed that on some of those that when I put my info in the required boxes I only have to do it once. Captchas are another thing where you have to repeat a series of letters and numbers. Annoying!

In any event, thank you for adding to this discussion. This bee’s been in my bonnet for while and, while the ones targeted may not get the message, I’ve said it. Thank you.

As a newbie to this site (less than a year), the comments here are an eye-opener. Since finding this site, I have tried to post something every week. Like everyone else, I appreciate comments and knowing someone has taken the time to read my story and respond. But I realize you get what you give in life. I know I am not the best commenter. Life just gets in the way and sometimes it’s all I can do to scrape together a story and read a few of my favorites authors before moving back into the fast lane. But there are other reasons too. I find commenting is a bit intimidating. I don’t always know what to say. I guess I could just say ‘good job’, but that seems so trite compared to other comments. There are some people that receive so many that by the time I get to their story, there is nothing new to say. There are some pieces that just don’t work for me and since I rarely see critique, i don’t offer any myself. There are some pieces that to comment, I must sign into WordPress, swear I am not a robot and do a picture puzzle before I comment. I do ‘Like’ everything I read, and 99.9999% of the time respond if someone comments on my piece. This is an awesome group and I appreciate being a part of it. New Years Resolution – to try to be more active.

I’m sorry about the WordPress debacle with captcha’s. I’ve not experienced that but then I do have an account. I’ve experienced that more with Blogspot actually.

As I told Michael H., don’t let others intimidate you with their über comments. As a writer, it’s nice just to hear from the reader, “Hey, I liked this.” or “I related to it.” When Madison was running the challenge, she suggested to us that we comment on the five stories before ours and the five after. That way everyone gets comments.

I’ve gotten to where I limit my comments to those who most often reciprocate. There are some who never seem to comment on anyone’s stories. And there are some who seem to ignore mine completely.

At any rate, I discovered the group in April of 2012 and when the FF originator stepped down she passed the baton to me. I love this challenge and, for the most part 😉 , this community.

I hope I didn’t put undue presser on you. You’ve been a lovely participant from your first week. It took me a month or more to get the protocol of reciprocation so I try to cut newbies some slack.

As the great Lord Buddha said (or should have said)- Ma Life Ma Rules! So yes, you have every right to expect participants to follow basic protocol and at least browse through some stories and comment rather than just announce- This is me! and wait for adulation (Not being judgmental here, I’ve done this myself for the first few months of this chapter of my life as a blogger, so please forgive me if I’m hurting anyone’s feelings, I’m just making a larger point). Cheers!

There is a learning curve with blogging protocol, I think. It took me a while to figure it out. Mainly I’m speaking to those who’ve been at it for a while and still don’t seem to ‘get it.’ There’s no law against not commenting on my stories (or anyone else’s). It just means that I will respond in like manner. 😉 And already I see the usual suspects doing the usual things, ie ‘liking’ (or not) and moving on. I assure you, you haven’t hurt my feelings in any way. I appreciate your adding your voice to the discussion. Thank you.

Well said. I think you know I’m in complete accord with you here. When I post I used to make sure to read and comment on everyone’s story, which is why when I know I can’t, I stay away. But just lately I’ve noticed more and more contributors and still only the same number of comments. Some simply never comment, these I’ve reduced to likes at best, although I don’t see why I’m even putting that much effort into them.

It is a two-edged sword. I don’t want my favorite writers to not participate because they can’t comment, but on the other hand it is considerate. There does seem to be a growing number of non-participants. I don’t know if it’s selfishness, busy-ness or ignorance. I do know that there are several I could name but won’t who’ve been non-reciprocators for years. Chances are they don’t even read my stories, but leave ‘likes’ as a ‘here I am.’ To those I extend the same lack of courtesy.

In any event, thank you for weighing in on the discussion. It’s the reason I posted this piece.

Just reinforcing a comment above. If a site has box-filling requirements, particularly ones demanding the visitor’s email address (why?) or if a site has no ‘like’ facility, then it might seem people are not visiting/reciprocating. Personally, after a lot of spam/porn/phishing hassle in the last 12 months, I’m done with bandying my email address about, and I object to feeling I have to manufacture a comment when I don’t feel moved to do so, just so you know I’ve passed through. I do try, however, to read most stories each week. Just sayin’.

I have the same problem. I like to read and comment but there are so many stories! I have my “hard core” (emails to my inbox) plus “familiar faces” (people I exchange comments with in FF), then there are others I get to if I can. Life is just so busy.
That may seem harsh on the newcomer, but if the newcomer makes an effort and starts to comment, it will be reciprocated and soon they will become a “familiar face” 🙂

My points exactly. And to those who don’t have time to comment on mine, to them I reply, nor do I have time to comment on yours. I confess, there are some who so consistently don’t comment on mine that I’ve stopped reading theirs. Perhaps I should thank them for saving me the time. 😉

You are absolutely right Rochelle. There is no point of link up if people do not communicate or reciprocate. Even I hate when people do not reply to comments. I am participating in FF since last year and you have sincerely commented on each and every post. I am so thankful for that. I try to comment on as many as possible but honestly in most weeks I land up commenting on 5-6.

I always appreciate your comments. I’m a firm believer in reciprocation. I find that I’m reading fewer stories…ie I just don’t bother with the ones who never comment on any of mine. As for replying to comments, I think this is very important if not just plain common courtesy. If someone has taken the time to read and comment, they deserve a polite reply.

Dear Rochelle
Even I take exception when people do not reply my comments. A simple thank you doesn’t take too much time or effort. Those who doesn’t bother to show that simple courtesy honestly doesn’t deserve a second visit. I can understand that everyone is busy…but it is always ‘better late than never’ to say a thank you.

Dear Rochelle, I don’t know about you but I find even getting around to reading all the stories difficult. I think that you are absolutely entitled to adopt this approach, I sometimes don’t even manage to reciprocate and I feel terrible about that because if someone takes the trouble to read and comment then they deserve the same treatment. I am so busy these days that I don’t even get time to write very often and I have considered turning comments off, not because I don’t love hearing from our wonderful community, but because I feel so bad when I don’t visit back. If you even take the trouble to read I am grateful. Time is a precious commodity, spend it on those you know can offer meaningful interaction, because reading and commenting is time away from loved ones and writing and should be invested wisely. Happy Christmas x

Its a pleasure Rochelle. God bless and multiply your efforts!
Here’s a promise from the Bible, paraphrased:
She who Waters others will be watered herself.
As you sow so shall you reap.
Give, and it shall be given unto you. Pressed down, shaken together, overflowing will men give back to you!

Not at all, Rochelle. I think you do amazingly well as it is. I do try to read and comment on every story, but sometimes it just gets ahead of me. I do try, though, because I know how much it means when others comment on my own work.

I really appreciate your feedback. The comments and camaraderie were the two things that drew me into this particular challenge and kept me here for five years and into my sixth. (I’ve been accused of being a comment junkie…I suppose I am. 😉 ) Writers like yourself are what keep the momentum going. Thank you.

I am ambivalent about this. I try to visit as many as I can each week, heading for my favourite writers and cherry-picking others, but I rarely manage them all through lack of time. I don’t keep a record of who reciprocates, though I am beginning to build up a memory of those who NEVER do. Also there are some who comment on mine but the link back to them seems not to work.

Your attitude seems to be better than mine. 😉 It’s hard not to notice the ones who never comment. And they’re the ones who won’t comment on this post either.
Thanks for your input and faithful participation.

Appreciate your thoughts on the challenge of hosting the Fictioneers, appreciate your writing and inspiration. I really welcome the synergy -is that the right term ? – of responding to each other’s writing. Feel that is a group thing, isn’t it – not just your responsibility. I so enjoy the challenge of the 100 words, pruning the surplus words ! I enjoy reading the rich diversity of other people’s stories, which is half the fun, AND commenting.

We all thrive on feedback. Synergy is a good way of putting it. Like everyone else in the group, I enjoy good comments…and sometimes, constructive criticism. Trimming a story down to 100 words without losing its integrity is a great exercise. I found when I started that it had a huge effect on my longer pieces. It helped me develop a sense of when to nip and tuck. 😉

Thank you for your feedback. It took me a few weeks to get the hang of the protocol of commenting and replying.

Dear Rochelle,
I think you are right prioritising who you respond to and those that never do should be low on the list if you bother at all. The whole idea is to read each others stories and this is a wonderful way to learn from masters of flash, to learn of other countries, cultures and understanding of the differences these make to understanding the flash piece. When I knew I didn’t have time to respond to anyone – I took a long break. I have returned but remain time poor and I make an effort to on the day I post my own entry to look at as many as I possibly can. I then make sure that I reciprocate to every one who has read my own work. If I can read more then I do, if I can’t then I don’t feel guilty. I have done the best I can which I know is better than some who as you say don’t even bother replying to a comment.
Best wishes
Irene

During my first year (and possibly the second) as facilitator I made a point of reading and commenting on every story. During those first couple of years our numbers rose from somewhere around 40 to over 100 some weeks. It finally occurred to me that not everyone of those commented on mine and others never bothered to reply to comments either. Little by little I pulled back. To me the interaction re reciprocation is important.

At any rate I appreciate your taking the time to be part of the discussion. 😉 Glad to see you back in the queue as well.

Thank you Rochelle. Wow – you certainly built it up. That takes a lot of time and I for one appreciate the effort you put in, the gathering of photos for the prompt, and being an active part of the communication. Cheers Irene

I have been hooked on to FF for a long time though not as long as some of the more illustrious FFers. I must say the credit goes to you for fabulously stitching together this great fiction writing challenge week after week.
Reading, writing, commenting, and re-commenting on each and every one of the stories is a Herculean task indeed and I am guilty of not adhering to this practice like quite a few of FF participants have pointed out too.
However, I make it a point to read a few ‘special’ FFers and that is irrespective of whether they read/comment on my story or not. Needless to say you top that list.
Writing a flash in 100 words is as challenging as they come and certainly has helped sharpen my craft.
I relish this challenge and in my book this is the best flash fiction writing challenge going around and that’s largely because of the quality of the participants, the wide range and genre that is seen, and lastly and most importantly by the huge amount of dedication and empathy that you bring to this ‘honorary’ but hugely honourable exercise.
A big thank you to all FFers who have read and continue to read and comment on my story week after week and, especially so for the grand dame of all, dear Rochelle.

I think we all develop favorites among the writers. I know I have mine. For me the best writers seem to also be the ones who interact, accept and offer polite critique. A huge thank you for being among these. I’ve watched your progress and look forward to your stories and comments each week. 😀

Hi Rochelle, I think you should let your brain slosh around more often. This is a great piece. I am with you on the reciprocity thing. I’ve given up commenting on blogs when I don’t receive any acknowledgement, not even a like. Reciprocity and mutual communication/ support/ critique is key. Time is an issue, which is why I haven’t been around for two weeks. If I can’t read and respond then it’s best to stay away completely. I can’t expect to receive what I’m not able to give.

I do try to read all the stories every week. I enjoy them. I don’t always comment, sometimes because the story doesn’t appeal to me specifically, sometimes because I have a difficulty with blogspot stories and posting comments. That said, I do believe it’s a mutual sharing that gives us the incentive to improve our skills, hone our techniques, explore new realms and realities. Time will always be an issue with everyone. We do what we can, we like & comment as we can. It is what it is.

It’s always good to get another person’s point of view which is the reason I posted this piece this week. I’m glad you’ve chosen to use Friday Fictioneers as one of your tools to hone your writing skills. You’re an important part off this community. Thank you. ❤

Dear Rochelle, I really enjoy being in this writing group. I know that I’m not that good – but I do so love it. I think I have read every ones stories when I write – But hey, I could be wrong because I really DID have brain surgery – (just to get water off my brain). I guess I had been repeating things to Mike and he made sure I got fixed. You are one of the best writers in this group and your offering each week is always smart and intelligent. Thanks for letting me be in this group and HONESTLY, YOU DON’T EVER HAVE TO READ MY STORIES. I KNOW YOU ARE SO BUSY. It won’t hurt my feelings at all! Happy Hanukah Rochelle and Happy New Year!

i LIKE READING YOUR STORIES. There! You’re one of the best interactors in the group and your stories are usually sweet and true to life. I like having both you and Mike as supporters. You make a wonderful team. Thank you for taking the time to give feedback to my rant.

Like so many others have said, if I know I don’t have the time to comment on others, I don’t post a story myself! I don’t get through all of them every week, but do as many as I can – it’s only fair if you want people to comment on yours.

I try to recipocate as much as possible, but it can be a huge time drain. As writers, we also have stories to tell. Every minute spent on social media is one less I get to spend crafting my next tale. As with everything in life, moderation is the key.

I do enjoy reading and commenting on others stories, and on Facebook too, but I can’t let those activities rule my writing life. Therefore, I tend to visit sites of those who have commented on mine. I also have several other loyal readers who don’t participate in FFF. I try to catch up with them once a week as they are faithful about reading and commenting on my non-FFF posts as well.

Comment sparring with you is one of my favorite aspects of Friday Fictioneers. What? there’s life outside of social media? I’ll have to Google that to make sure it’s true.

At any rate, I think, if I make one New Year’s resolution it should be to adopt a more relaxed view of commenting. There are those who even now just don’t get it and I need to quit breaking my head over it. After all, I have another book in the words which needs attention.

Beside the fact that I really do enjoy your stories, particularly your “fractured fairytales,” you’ve always had a comment for my pieces. I appreciate the interaction more than you know. Thank you for your input into this discussion (and this community).

Hi, I’m new to your site but I’d love to participate in the FF challenge!
Only thing is- I don’t know what the thing is in the photo prompt!!
I’m guessing its a street lamp but I’m not 100% sure…
I’ll drop by next time, hopefully the image is somewhat familiar.

Also, very interesting comments regarding WP etiquette.
I’ve been on this site for around a month and thankfully people have been nothing but supportive. Of course, I take the time to read and thoughtfully comment (or try to!) and it’s lovely when people do the same.

Anyway, enough blabbering. I’ll be back to read what people came up with for the photo prompt.

Welcome to Friday Fictioneers…a bit of a misnomer since we actually go live on Wednesday. The photo actually is of a street lamp. But it’s really about what you see and not what you’re looking at. I encourage everyone to write a story that’s inspired by the prompt. It doesn’t have to (and I’d rather it didn’t) use the prompt as an illustration. I hope that makes sense. At any rate the prompt goes live every Wednesday at 2:30 AM CST and closes at 6:55 PM CST the following Tuesday.

I don’t know how you do it. Not only comment on all or however many you comment on but offer advice when we get off track. I’m forever grateful for your guidance, your stories, your counsel, your insightful comments, and wonderful sense of humor.

In the beginning I did read and comment on everybody’s stories. By my second year it occurred to me that some didn’t reciprocate or even reply to their own comments. So now I do pick and choose.
Happily, you are one who really wants to grow as a writer and I’ve watched that happen over the years. Your comment is a gift. Thank you.

I’m feeling very guilty about not returning to FF since my NaNoWriMo break in November, but it is precisely because I don’t think it fair to post a story here and then do a moonlight flit for the rest of the week. I have never had time to read and comment on everybody’s stories, but at the very least I always reply to comments and comment on those who comment on mine, plus sometimes I comment first before they comment on mine (yes, I know that’s a very convoluted sentence but I’m utterly “novelled out”!).

I miss everyone and hope to reappear sometime after Christmas, but since NaNoWriMo I’ve decided to pace myself with blogging, or I won’t finish the book that I started in November and my novel-writing has to come first just now.

We’ll make a Skyping date before the end of December. Dale is up for it as well.

I completely understand. Please don’t feel guilty. (I know I shouldn’t tell you how to feel 😉 ) I always appreciate it when you’re able to participate, but it’s a busy time of year even without the novel writing, isn’t it?

I do, however, appreciate your taking the time to add your comments to the discussion. As I suspected would happen, my main targets (you’re definitely NOT among them) did what they usually do…’like’ and move on. Thus, enforcing what I’ve believed all along. These people hook up to the link and like my story to announce their presence. I’ve had my say. I consider myself absolved of interaction with these. 😉

I look forward to Skyping with you and Dale. Poor girl didn’t participate this week because she’s battling a nasty cold and other issues.

Hope your holidays are going well. It will be quiet here. Spent yesterday wrapping, packaging and posting. A few art commissions on the books….but I’ll save the rest for our face to face visit.

Third in the Havah Gitterman Saga

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A Kansas City native, I've been married to my first husband Jan for over 45 years.
A trained graphic artist, my passion is creating word pictures.
"This, That and Sometimes the Other" is the title of my short story anthology published by High Hill Press.
My novel trilogy, Please Say Kaddish for Me, From Silt and Ashes, and As One Must One Can are represented by Jeanie Loiacono of Loiacono Literary Agency and published by W&B publishers.